106 MODEL AVIATION
One of my favorites is the airmail
special: the JYM taperwing. It has a
stretched fuselage for carrying more
mail.
One has been restored and is flying today.
Cool! I love to see old biplanes back in the sky;
it’s a bit of aeronautical history brought back to life.
Aeromodelers have been fascinated with WACO
biplanes and gliders for many years. Plans, kits, and, more
recently, ARFs have been produced from the 1930s until now.
Choices of plans and kits are almost endless for those who are
yearning to build a WACO. The AMA Plans Service sells
more than 80 sets for various versions.
Aircraft Modelers Research sells two sizes of the WACO
YMF-5; one is 33% and the other is 40%. The former has a
wingspan of 120 inches on the top, and the fuselage is 91
inches. The 40% version has a top wingspan of 142 inches and
can be powered by a 240cc engine.
When I include a photo of a WACO in this column, I
receive more mail about it than almost any other picture. That
happened with a photograph of Chuck Brooks’ 72-inch-span
YMF-5 from the spring 2010 One Eighth Air Force Scale
Model Fly-In.
Questions I received ranged from what kit it was built from,
to whether or not it was an ARF, to where one could be
purchased. Sometimes I receive many questions from readers, and if I
don’t know the answer I usually know someone who does!
Chuck, who lives in Tucson, Arizona, flew his WACO all weekend
with a Quadra .35 gas engine, which has more than 30 years of service
on it. Guidance was provided by a Spektrum DX7 2.4 GHz radio
system.
He assembled the airplane from a Cox ARF, which, according to
him, has been discontinued, and reports that parts are unavailable for
the model. Chuck thinks that you might find one of the WACOs on
eBay or through RC Universe.
Also included in this column:
• Rating books for modelers
WACO biplanes—all-time classics
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
This view of Mike Barbee’s YMF-5 on the ground gives you a greater
appreciation of its size.
Right: Mike Barbee’s WACO
YMF-5 with smoke on during a
pass for the camera. The 33%
model is powered by a fivecylinder
radial engine.
Chuck and Jerri Brooks (Tucson AZ) with the WACO RNF. Chuck
has flown this beautiful, scratch-built, red-and-black biplane for
more than 20 years.
Charlie Nelson’s WACO YKS is powered by a Seidel five-cylinder
radial engine and has a completely detailed cockpit and interior.
WACO, OR THE Weaver Aircraft Company, manufactured
personal and business airplanes under several company names from
1919 until 1947. The company built not only biplanes, but also
monoplane gliders that were flown by the Allied forces in World
War II.
WACO aircraft have served in the military as trainers as well as
attack aircraft. They have raced, are almost all aerobatic, and have
run mail routes, especially with Northwest Airways in the early
1930s.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 7:58 AM Page 106
March 2011 107
Chuck Brooks’ 72-inch-span Cox WACO YMF-5 ARF waits for its
next flight. The aircraft presents well in the sky.
Chuck Brooks’ YMF-5 has benefited from a change in its main
landing gear that provides strength and a more scale appearance.
“It appears to be a rough copy of the Pica WACO,” he wrote.
Chuck has made several modifications to the ARF, one of which
was to change the main landing gear for strength and a more scale
appearance. This has also helped the landings. He also modified the
tail wheel setup.
His YMF-5 uses a single servo on the rudder, the throttle, and
the elevators. Two servos drive the four ailerons, and Chuck has had
no problems with this setup. He also noted that there is no right
thrust or downthrust on the engine mount.
“It is a great aircraft but will make you work for good landings,”
he wrote. “But then I like a challenge.”
Mike Barbee built a 33% WACO from an Aircraft Modelers
Research kit. The impressive aircraft is powered by a five-cylinder
radial engine, has smoke options, and features a great deal of scale
realism.
New Products: I’ve been looking for a good source of Sitka spruce
wing spars for sometime. Few major hobby suppliers carry this type
of wood anymore, but I did find a company that does!
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. for full-scale aviation has a
huge variety of sizes and lengths of capstrip stock that will work
well for model wing spars. The spruce is sold by the foot; 1/4 x 1/4-
inch stock is 21¢ per foot and 5/16 x 5/16 inch is 26¢ per foot.
Those prices are for lengths of less than 7 feet; if you choose
longer pieces, the price goes up (20%), as do shipping costs. Less
than 7 feet should be fine for most of us aeromodelers, but Aircraft
Spruce can take care of your needs if you’re building a huge project.
I’ve placed my first order with the company. I’ll let you know
what happens.
Upcoming Events: The spring One Eighth Air Force Scale Model
Fly-In will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, at Adobe Mountain Park,
March 18-20. Howard Kennedy relayed to me that the club will also
host the Gunsmoke Scale Masters Qualifier March 4-6 at
Superstition Air Park in Mesa, Arizona.
Check out the One Eighth Air Force Web site for more
information about these events.
The Top Gun invitational will be held April 28-May 2 at the
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida; the site
where the Sun n’ Fun full-scale event is held.
Top Gun features some of the best competition and beautiful,
large, complex Scale models that you will see anywhere in the
country. Frank Tiano and his crew are hosting the event again.
Competition, an air show, vendors, parties, and great friends—Top
Gun is all of this. Check it out.
On the Web: WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation builds and sells
new full-scale YMF-5D and YMF-5C Barnstormer Edition
airplanes at its facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. I visited the
factory several years ago and was quite impressed with the
operation and the different processes that are required to produce a
biplane.
For more information about the company and its airplanes, as
well as e-brochures and downloads, check out the Web site. I’ve
included the address in the “Sources” list.
Bookshelf: Finding books about Japanese WW II aircraft and
aviation is tough, but finding good books on the subject is even
harder.
I’m going to grade this and future books on content for modelers
rather than simply content. Keeping in mind how most
aeromodelers use the book will make for a quicker and more
objective assessment. It might also steer editors and authors toward
what would be helpful for their consumers.
Through the Historic Aviation catalog I selected a series of
books for $24.95-$28.95 from the Air Collection Japanese Military
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 7:59 AM Page 107
108 MODEL AVIATION
TOO MANY AMA members have not visited their AMA Headquarters, toured the National
Model Aviation Museum, or own at the 1,100-acre International Aeromodeling Center. Consider
this your invitation to receive the red carpet treatment.
Attend AMA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration
July 14 - 17, 2011, at Academy Headquarters
in Muncie, Indiana. Enjoy four days
and nights of fun- ying to celebrate
this momentous occasion. Go to
www.ama75.com and click on the
“Anniversary Event” link at the
top of the page. ere you’ll
discover all of the great
activities, events, and freebies
that will be available, including
AMA gear for every pilot and
cash prizes. MA
www.modelaircraft.org www.ama75.com
color is good, and the print is well defined.
Although the books contain much written
information about squadrons and how the
forces were organized, as well as the aces
and pilots of the different forces, there
wasn’t one photo in the first two editions I
examined.
Following is my point assessment—of a
possible 100—of this series. I’ll try to gauge
all future “Bookshelf” reviews in the same
manner.
Photos (general) 0
Period photos 0
Detail photos 0
Color three-views 0
Color side views 10
History 10
Aircraft: The Air Force of the Japanese
Imperial Navy, published by AF Editions. I
hoped that they would include a wealth of
information on both the Japanese Army and
Navy Air Forces.
These books, by Eduardo Cea, were
originally printed in Spanish and translated
into English. The author is also responsible
for all of the artwork, which is great. The
Call Toll Free:
888-829-4060
7414 Burton Drive, Liberty Twp, OH 45044
All Aero-Pac’s are $15.95 + $5.50 s&h for the fi rst, $1.50 each additional.
• Each Aero-Pac is devoted to a single airframe.
• The documentation comes on a cd-rom and is
viewable in any modern Mac/Win web browser.
• Includes 8-point walk-around, exterior & interior
details, enhanced close-ups, and a 3-view!
• All wording (n-numbers, nomenclature, etc.) are
shot close-up and head-on for easier duplication.
See samples of all of our Aero-Pacs
online at airbornemedia.com
Scale Documentation
for the Digital Age.
Chance/Vought F4U-4 Corsair
SCAN THIS WITH YOUR
SMARTPHONE FOR MORE!
Exploded views 0
Paint/color documentation 0
Aircraft specifications 10
I can give these books only 40 points, for
the lack of photos to back the accuracy of the
color side views. I grouped some categories,
such as detail pictures of the cockpit, cowl,
engine, gear, etc. Many books now have
exploded views for some aircraft parts.
Let me know what you think!
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Aircraft Modelers Research
(450) 677-4694
www.amr-rc.com
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.
(800) 861-3192
www.aircraftspruce.com
One Eighth Air Force
www.oeaf.org
Top Gun 2011:
www.franktiano.com
WACO Classic Aircraft
(269) 565-1000
www.wacoclassic.com
Historic Aviation
(800) 225-5575
www.historicaviation.com
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 7:59 AM Page 108
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/03
Page Numbers: 106,107,108
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/03
Page Numbers: 106,107,108
106 MODEL AVIATION
One of my favorites is the airmail
special: the JYM taperwing. It has a
stretched fuselage for carrying more
mail.
One has been restored and is flying today.
Cool! I love to see old biplanes back in the sky;
it’s a bit of aeronautical history brought back to life.
Aeromodelers have been fascinated with WACO
biplanes and gliders for many years. Plans, kits, and, more
recently, ARFs have been produced from the 1930s until now.
Choices of plans and kits are almost endless for those who are
yearning to build a WACO. The AMA Plans Service sells
more than 80 sets for various versions.
Aircraft Modelers Research sells two sizes of the WACO
YMF-5; one is 33% and the other is 40%. The former has a
wingspan of 120 inches on the top, and the fuselage is 91
inches. The 40% version has a top wingspan of 142 inches and
can be powered by a 240cc engine.
When I include a photo of a WACO in this column, I
receive more mail about it than almost any other picture. That
happened with a photograph of Chuck Brooks’ 72-inch-span
YMF-5 from the spring 2010 One Eighth Air Force Scale
Model Fly-In.
Questions I received ranged from what kit it was built from,
to whether or not it was an ARF, to where one could be
purchased. Sometimes I receive many questions from readers, and if I
don’t know the answer I usually know someone who does!
Chuck, who lives in Tucson, Arizona, flew his WACO all weekend
with a Quadra .35 gas engine, which has more than 30 years of service
on it. Guidance was provided by a Spektrum DX7 2.4 GHz radio
system.
He assembled the airplane from a Cox ARF, which, according to
him, has been discontinued, and reports that parts are unavailable for
the model. Chuck thinks that you might find one of the WACOs on
eBay or through RC Universe.
Also included in this column:
• Rating books for modelers
WACO biplanes—all-time classics
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
This view of Mike Barbee’s YMF-5 on the ground gives you a greater
appreciation of its size.
Right: Mike Barbee’s WACO
YMF-5 with smoke on during a
pass for the camera. The 33%
model is powered by a fivecylinder
radial engine.
Chuck and Jerri Brooks (Tucson AZ) with the WACO RNF. Chuck
has flown this beautiful, scratch-built, red-and-black biplane for
more than 20 years.
Charlie Nelson’s WACO YKS is powered by a Seidel five-cylinder
radial engine and has a completely detailed cockpit and interior.
WACO, OR THE Weaver Aircraft Company, manufactured
personal and business airplanes under several company names from
1919 until 1947. The company built not only biplanes, but also
monoplane gliders that were flown by the Allied forces in World
War II.
WACO aircraft have served in the military as trainers as well as
attack aircraft. They have raced, are almost all aerobatic, and have
run mail routes, especially with Northwest Airways in the early
1930s.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 7:58 AM Page 106
March 2011 107
Chuck Brooks’ 72-inch-span Cox WACO YMF-5 ARF waits for its
next flight. The aircraft presents well in the sky.
Chuck Brooks’ YMF-5 has benefited from a change in its main
landing gear that provides strength and a more scale appearance.
“It appears to be a rough copy of the Pica WACO,” he wrote.
Chuck has made several modifications to the ARF, one of which
was to change the main landing gear for strength and a more scale
appearance. This has also helped the landings. He also modified the
tail wheel setup.
His YMF-5 uses a single servo on the rudder, the throttle, and
the elevators. Two servos drive the four ailerons, and Chuck has had
no problems with this setup. He also noted that there is no right
thrust or downthrust on the engine mount.
“It is a great aircraft but will make you work for good landings,”
he wrote. “But then I like a challenge.”
Mike Barbee built a 33% WACO from an Aircraft Modelers
Research kit. The impressive aircraft is powered by a five-cylinder
radial engine, has smoke options, and features a great deal of scale
realism.
New Products: I’ve been looking for a good source of Sitka spruce
wing spars for sometime. Few major hobby suppliers carry this type
of wood anymore, but I did find a company that does!
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. for full-scale aviation has a
huge variety of sizes and lengths of capstrip stock that will work
well for model wing spars. The spruce is sold by the foot; 1/4 x 1/4-
inch stock is 21¢ per foot and 5/16 x 5/16 inch is 26¢ per foot.
Those prices are for lengths of less than 7 feet; if you choose
longer pieces, the price goes up (20%), as do shipping costs. Less
than 7 feet should be fine for most of us aeromodelers, but Aircraft
Spruce can take care of your needs if you’re building a huge project.
I’ve placed my first order with the company. I’ll let you know
what happens.
Upcoming Events: The spring One Eighth Air Force Scale Model
Fly-In will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, at Adobe Mountain Park,
March 18-20. Howard Kennedy relayed to me that the club will also
host the Gunsmoke Scale Masters Qualifier March 4-6 at
Superstition Air Park in Mesa, Arizona.
Check out the One Eighth Air Force Web site for more
information about these events.
The Top Gun invitational will be held April 28-May 2 at the
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida; the site
where the Sun n’ Fun full-scale event is held.
Top Gun features some of the best competition and beautiful,
large, complex Scale models that you will see anywhere in the
country. Frank Tiano and his crew are hosting the event again.
Competition, an air show, vendors, parties, and great friends—Top
Gun is all of this. Check it out.
On the Web: WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation builds and sells
new full-scale YMF-5D and YMF-5C Barnstormer Edition
airplanes at its facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. I visited the
factory several years ago and was quite impressed with the
operation and the different processes that are required to produce a
biplane.
For more information about the company and its airplanes, as
well as e-brochures and downloads, check out the Web site. I’ve
included the address in the “Sources” list.
Bookshelf: Finding books about Japanese WW II aircraft and
aviation is tough, but finding good books on the subject is even
harder.
I’m going to grade this and future books on content for modelers
rather than simply content. Keeping in mind how most
aeromodelers use the book will make for a quicker and more
objective assessment. It might also steer editors and authors toward
what would be helpful for their consumers.
Through the Historic Aviation catalog I selected a series of
books for $24.95-$28.95 from the Air Collection Japanese Military
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 7:59 AM Page 107
108 MODEL AVIATION
TOO MANY AMA members have not visited their AMA Headquarters, toured the National
Model Aviation Museum, or own at the 1,100-acre International Aeromodeling Center. Consider
this your invitation to receive the red carpet treatment.
Attend AMA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration
July 14 - 17, 2011, at Academy Headquarters
in Muncie, Indiana. Enjoy four days
and nights of fun- ying to celebrate
this momentous occasion. Go to
www.ama75.com and click on the
“Anniversary Event” link at the
top of the page. ere you’ll
discover all of the great
activities, events, and freebies
that will be available, including
AMA gear for every pilot and
cash prizes. MA
www.modelaircraft.org www.ama75.com
color is good, and the print is well defined.
Although the books contain much written
information about squadrons and how the
forces were organized, as well as the aces
and pilots of the different forces, there
wasn’t one photo in the first two editions I
examined.
Following is my point assessment—of a
possible 100—of this series. I’ll try to gauge
all future “Bookshelf” reviews in the same
manner.
Photos (general) 0
Period photos 0
Detail photos 0
Color three-views 0
Color side views 10
History 10
Aircraft: The Air Force of the Japanese
Imperial Navy, published by AF Editions. I
hoped that they would include a wealth of
information on both the Japanese Army and
Navy Air Forces.
These books, by Eduardo Cea, were
originally printed in Spanish and translated
into English. The author is also responsible
for all of the artwork, which is great. The
Call Toll Free:
888-829-4060
7414 Burton Drive, Liberty Twp, OH 45044
All Aero-Pac’s are $15.95 + $5.50 s&h for the fi rst, $1.50 each additional.
• Each Aero-Pac is devoted to a single airframe.
• The documentation comes on a cd-rom and is
viewable in any modern Mac/Win web browser.
• Includes 8-point walk-around, exterior & interior
details, enhanced close-ups, and a 3-view!
• All wording (n-numbers, nomenclature, etc.) are
shot close-up and head-on for easier duplication.
See samples of all of our Aero-Pacs
online at airbornemedia.com
Scale Documentation
for the Digital Age.
Chance/Vought F4U-4 Corsair
SCAN THIS WITH YOUR
SMARTPHONE FOR MORE!
Exploded views 0
Paint/color documentation 0
Aircraft specifications 10
I can give these books only 40 points, for
the lack of photos to back the accuracy of the
color side views. I grouped some categories,
such as detail pictures of the cockpit, cowl,
engine, gear, etc. Many books now have
exploded views for some aircraft parts.
Let me know what you think!
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Aircraft Modelers Research
(450) 677-4694
www.amr-rc.com
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.
(800) 861-3192
www.aircraftspruce.com
One Eighth Air Force
www.oeaf.org
Top Gun 2011:
www.franktiano.com
WACO Classic Aircraft
(269) 565-1000
www.wacoclassic.com
Historic Aviation
(800) 225-5575
www.historicaviation.com
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 7:59 AM Page 108
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/03
Page Numbers: 106,107,108
106 MODEL AVIATION
One of my favorites is the airmail
special: the JYM taperwing. It has a
stretched fuselage for carrying more
mail.
One has been restored and is flying today.
Cool! I love to see old biplanes back in the sky;
it’s a bit of aeronautical history brought back to life.
Aeromodelers have been fascinated with WACO
biplanes and gliders for many years. Plans, kits, and, more
recently, ARFs have been produced from the 1930s until now.
Choices of plans and kits are almost endless for those who are
yearning to build a WACO. The AMA Plans Service sells
more than 80 sets for various versions.
Aircraft Modelers Research sells two sizes of the WACO
YMF-5; one is 33% and the other is 40%. The former has a
wingspan of 120 inches on the top, and the fuselage is 91
inches. The 40% version has a top wingspan of 142 inches and
can be powered by a 240cc engine.
When I include a photo of a WACO in this column, I
receive more mail about it than almost any other picture. That
happened with a photograph of Chuck Brooks’ 72-inch-span
YMF-5 from the spring 2010 One Eighth Air Force Scale
Model Fly-In.
Questions I received ranged from what kit it was built from,
to whether or not it was an ARF, to where one could be
purchased. Sometimes I receive many questions from readers, and if I
don’t know the answer I usually know someone who does!
Chuck, who lives in Tucson, Arizona, flew his WACO all weekend
with a Quadra .35 gas engine, which has more than 30 years of service
on it. Guidance was provided by a Spektrum DX7 2.4 GHz radio
system.
He assembled the airplane from a Cox ARF, which, according to
him, has been discontinued, and reports that parts are unavailable for
the model. Chuck thinks that you might find one of the WACOs on
eBay or through RC Universe.
Also included in this column:
• Rating books for modelers
WACO biplanes—all-time classics
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
This view of Mike Barbee’s YMF-5 on the ground gives you a greater
appreciation of its size.
Right: Mike Barbee’s WACO
YMF-5 with smoke on during a
pass for the camera. The 33%
model is powered by a fivecylinder
radial engine.
Chuck and Jerri Brooks (Tucson AZ) with the WACO RNF. Chuck
has flown this beautiful, scratch-built, red-and-black biplane for
more than 20 years.
Charlie Nelson’s WACO YKS is powered by a Seidel five-cylinder
radial engine and has a completely detailed cockpit and interior.
WACO, OR THE Weaver Aircraft Company, manufactured
personal and business airplanes under several company names from
1919 until 1947. The company built not only biplanes, but also
monoplane gliders that were flown by the Allied forces in World
War II.
WACO aircraft have served in the military as trainers as well as
attack aircraft. They have raced, are almost all aerobatic, and have
run mail routes, especially with Northwest Airways in the early
1930s.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 7:58 AM Page 106
March 2011 107
Chuck Brooks’ 72-inch-span Cox WACO YMF-5 ARF waits for its
next flight. The aircraft presents well in the sky.
Chuck Brooks’ YMF-5 has benefited from a change in its main
landing gear that provides strength and a more scale appearance.
“It appears to be a rough copy of the Pica WACO,” he wrote.
Chuck has made several modifications to the ARF, one of which
was to change the main landing gear for strength and a more scale
appearance. This has also helped the landings. He also modified the
tail wheel setup.
His YMF-5 uses a single servo on the rudder, the throttle, and
the elevators. Two servos drive the four ailerons, and Chuck has had
no problems with this setup. He also noted that there is no right
thrust or downthrust on the engine mount.
“It is a great aircraft but will make you work for good landings,”
he wrote. “But then I like a challenge.”
Mike Barbee built a 33% WACO from an Aircraft Modelers
Research kit. The impressive aircraft is powered by a five-cylinder
radial engine, has smoke options, and features a great deal of scale
realism.
New Products: I’ve been looking for a good source of Sitka spruce
wing spars for sometime. Few major hobby suppliers carry this type
of wood anymore, but I did find a company that does!
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. for full-scale aviation has a
huge variety of sizes and lengths of capstrip stock that will work
well for model wing spars. The spruce is sold by the foot; 1/4 x 1/4-
inch stock is 21¢ per foot and 5/16 x 5/16 inch is 26¢ per foot.
Those prices are for lengths of less than 7 feet; if you choose
longer pieces, the price goes up (20%), as do shipping costs. Less
than 7 feet should be fine for most of us aeromodelers, but Aircraft
Spruce can take care of your needs if you’re building a huge project.
I’ve placed my first order with the company. I’ll let you know
what happens.
Upcoming Events: The spring One Eighth Air Force Scale Model
Fly-In will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, at Adobe Mountain Park,
March 18-20. Howard Kennedy relayed to me that the club will also
host the Gunsmoke Scale Masters Qualifier March 4-6 at
Superstition Air Park in Mesa, Arizona.
Check out the One Eighth Air Force Web site for more
information about these events.
The Top Gun invitational will be held April 28-May 2 at the
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida; the site
where the Sun n’ Fun full-scale event is held.
Top Gun features some of the best competition and beautiful,
large, complex Scale models that you will see anywhere in the
country. Frank Tiano and his crew are hosting the event again.
Competition, an air show, vendors, parties, and great friends—Top
Gun is all of this. Check it out.
On the Web: WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation builds and sells
new full-scale YMF-5D and YMF-5C Barnstormer Edition
airplanes at its facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. I visited the
factory several years ago and was quite impressed with the
operation and the different processes that are required to produce a
biplane.
For more information about the company and its airplanes, as
well as e-brochures and downloads, check out the Web site. I’ve
included the address in the “Sources” list.
Bookshelf: Finding books about Japanese WW II aircraft and
aviation is tough, but finding good books on the subject is even
harder.
I’m going to grade this and future books on content for modelers
rather than simply content. Keeping in mind how most
aeromodelers use the book will make for a quicker and more
objective assessment. It might also steer editors and authors toward
what would be helpful for their consumers.
Through the Historic Aviation catalog I selected a series of
books for $24.95-$28.95 from the Air Collection Japanese Military
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 7:59 AM Page 107
108 MODEL AVIATION
TOO MANY AMA members have not visited their AMA Headquarters, toured the National
Model Aviation Museum, or own at the 1,100-acre International Aeromodeling Center. Consider
this your invitation to receive the red carpet treatment.
Attend AMA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration
July 14 - 17, 2011, at Academy Headquarters
in Muncie, Indiana. Enjoy four days
and nights of fun- ying to celebrate
this momentous occasion. Go to
www.ama75.com and click on the
“Anniversary Event” link at the
top of the page. ere you’ll
discover all of the great
activities, events, and freebies
that will be available, including
AMA gear for every pilot and
cash prizes. MA
www.modelaircraft.org www.ama75.com
color is good, and the print is well defined.
Although the books contain much written
information about squadrons and how the
forces were organized, as well as the aces
and pilots of the different forces, there
wasn’t one photo in the first two editions I
examined.
Following is my point assessment—of a
possible 100—of this series. I’ll try to gauge
all future “Bookshelf” reviews in the same
manner.
Photos (general) 0
Period photos 0
Detail photos 0
Color three-views 0
Color side views 10
History 10
Aircraft: The Air Force of the Japanese
Imperial Navy, published by AF Editions. I
hoped that they would include a wealth of
information on both the Japanese Army and
Navy Air Forces.
These books, by Eduardo Cea, were
originally printed in Spanish and translated
into English. The author is also responsible
for all of the artwork, which is great. The
Call Toll Free:
888-829-4060
7414 Burton Drive, Liberty Twp, OH 45044
All Aero-Pac’s are $15.95 + $5.50 s&h for the fi rst, $1.50 each additional.
• Each Aero-Pac is devoted to a single airframe.
• The documentation comes on a cd-rom and is
viewable in any modern Mac/Win web browser.
• Includes 8-point walk-around, exterior & interior
details, enhanced close-ups, and a 3-view!
• All wording (n-numbers, nomenclature, etc.) are
shot close-up and head-on for easier duplication.
See samples of all of our Aero-Pacs
online at airbornemedia.com
Scale Documentation
for the Digital Age.
Chance/Vought F4U-4 Corsair
SCAN THIS WITH YOUR
SMARTPHONE FOR MORE!
Exploded views 0
Paint/color documentation 0
Aircraft specifications 10
I can give these books only 40 points, for
the lack of photos to back the accuracy of the
color side views. I grouped some categories,
such as detail pictures of the cockpit, cowl,
engine, gear, etc. Many books now have
exploded views for some aircraft parts.
Let me know what you think!
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Aircraft Modelers Research
(450) 677-4694
www.amr-rc.com
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.
(800) 861-3192
www.aircraftspruce.com
One Eighth Air Force
www.oeaf.org
Top Gun 2011:
www.franktiano.com
WACO Classic Aircraft
(269) 565-1000
www.wacoclassic.com
Historic Aviation
(800) 225-5575
www.historicaviation.com
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 7:59 AM Page 108
